3 Hidden Gems To Fight Period Problems

Whether you have always had significant problems around and during your period or you are noticing changes as you approach menopause, there are ways to help reduce mood changes, heavy bleeding and miserable cramps. Relief can found in your vitamin store or the supplement aisle of your local retail store.

B Vitamins

Although you should be taking a multivitamin containing B vitamins, you may want to consider adding extra B vitamins, mainly B6 and B12, to help fight period problems. If you experience significant premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the extra B vitamins in your diet can help reduce many of the classic PMS symptoms, such as changes in mood, anxiety, and irritability. B vitamins are also useful if you experience heavy bleeding and produce many clots. For some women, excessive bleeding and large clots can be attributed to dysfunctions with normal blood clotting. B6 can help regulate prostaglandins, which are vital in the process of clotting and inflammation.

Soy Isoflavones

Many period problems can be attributed to hormone imbalances, mainly an imbalance between estrogen and progestin. Some women find using progestin-based birth control methods, such as the shot, can help reduce heavy bleeding and severe cramps, especially if they are not a candidate to use hormonal birth control containing estrogen. Unfortunately, significant weight gain is also associated the shot, which can cause other health problems. As an alternative, you may want to try adding more phytoestrogens. Since incorporating more soy into your diet is not always easy, soy isoflavones are an alternative. You may want to experiment with different dosages, which typically range from 40mg to 80mg each day. Soy isoflavones must be taken daily before you determine if it is effective.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil (EPO) has several benefits, one of which is fighting inflammation. If you experience moderate to severe cramps with your period, adding anti-inflammatory supplements might mitigate some of the pain. Although menstrual cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus, there is an inflammatory component to the pain, especially if you notice low back pain in addition to cramping. Try taking EPO several days or a week before your period  is expected to begin. If you take other pain relievers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), make sure there are no drug interactions.

PMS, cramps, and heavy bleeding are common, but disruptive problems for many women. Trying various vitamin and herbal supplements for a few menstrual cycles can help you determine if there are easy ways to help mitigate some of your menstrual problems. For more information, talk to a professional like Women's Healthcare of Illinois.